Method of and means for lasting shoes



Oct. 13, 1936. c. K, MacDONALD 2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 23, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet1 Q Oct. 13, 1936. c. K. Ma DONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOESFiled July 25, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 13,1936. c. K. MMDON LE;2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 23, 1955 e Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 3.

//v l/E/V 70R. WM

c. K. M DONALD 2,057,040

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Oct. 13, 1 936.

Ffled July 23, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I VE/V 747a- Oct/13, 1936.

c. K. M CiDONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES e Sheets-Sheet '5Filed July 23, 1935' Oct. 13, 1936.

c. I K. .M DONALD METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Filed July 2 5,1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Oct. 13, 1936' UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICEMETHOD OF AND MEANS FOR LASTING SHOES Clifford K. MacDonald, Brockton,Massqassignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Paterson, N. J., acorporation of New Jersey Application July 23, 1935, Serial No. 32,766

40 Claims.

method whereby shoe upper materials (hereinafter referred to inclusivelyas the upper) are tensioned heightwise of a last toward its bottom faceand the marginal portions of the upper materials are laid inwardly overan insole on the last by the use of a flexible lasting member havingtherein a group of loose elements that adjust themselves in accordancewith the shape of 20 the last. In accordance with the illustratedpractice, the upper is pressed into conformity to the contour of thelast by the flexible lasting member, which is preferably elastic, and isthen worked tightly over the last and its marginal 2;, portion laidinwardly over an insole on the last by relative movement of the lastingmember and the last. As herein further illustrated, there are utilizedflexible elastic lasting members arranged to engage and act on the upperat the opposite 30 sides of the last between its toe and heel endportions. Each lasting member comprises a container having therein aplurality of loose articles, illustrated as iron balls and having anupper-engaging wall of flexible elastic material 35 such, for example,as rubber, through which the iron balls act to press the upper intoconformity to the contour of the last. The last, as herein shown, ismoved relatively to the containers in a direction heightwise of thelast, after which 40 tipping movenients'toward the bottom face of thelast are imparted to the containers to cause them to lay the marginalportion of the upper inwardly over the insole and to press it upon theinsole.

45 Preferably, force is exerted on the iron balls during the relativeheightwise movement of the containers and the last to increase thefrictional pull of the containers on the upper and preferably also thisforce is maintained or it may be 50 increased as the containers aretipped relatively to the last toward its bottom face to insure that theupper will be held tightly and smoothly conformed to the contour of thelast close to the edge of the last bottom as the marginal portion 55 ofthe upper is laid inwardly over the insole and pressed into position toadhere to the insole. It is contemplated that in order further toincrease the frictional pull of the lasting member or members on theupper, the metallic articles within each member may be magnetized tocause them to cohere. Thus, in addition to their resistance todisplacement due to the friction between them, their resistance todisplacement is further increased by their magnetic attraction for oneanother, so that greater force is required l to effect a relativemovement of the member or members and the last to work the upper tightlyover the last. The pressure of the lasting memher or members on theupper is' thereby increased and as a result a greater frictional pull 15is exerted on the upper. In operating upon shoes the uppers of which areof relatively heavy and stiff material, or if conditions otherwiserender it desirable, as in lasting shoes provided with scant uppers, thefrictional pull of the lasting member or members may thus be furtherincreased to render them still more effective in working the uppertightly and smoothly over the last.

In a further aspect, the invention provides novel means adapted for usein the practice of the above-mentioned method. For the purpose in viewthere is provided, as herein illustrated, a novel organization of meansfor shaping uppers over lasts by the use of containers having flexibleelastic upper-engaging walls and each having a plurality of loosearticles, preferably balls, of magnetizable material therein adjustablein accordance with the shape of the last. In the machine herein shownthe last and shoe are supported by depressible toe and heel restsbetween containers which are arranged to engage the upper at theopposite sides of the last over an area extending both heightwise andlengthwise of the last between its toe and heel-end portions. 40Mechanism is provided for effecting relative movement of the containersand the last in a direction heightwise of the last to cause thecontainers by frictional contact with the upper to work it tightly overthe last, after which inward tipping movements are imparted to thecontainers to cause them to lay the marginal portion of the upperinwardly over the insole and to press it upon the insole. In theconstruction shown, each container, illustrated as a rubber bag, isfilled with small iron balls and is partially enclosed by a rigid holderwhich is secured to a carrier pivotally connected to a support forswinging'movements about an axis extending h 1 6O to..vary.the.frictional pull of the containers on lengthwise of the shoe. Thesupports are movable toward each other widthwise of the shoe intodifierent positions to vary the pressure of the containers on the upperand means is provided for locking the supports in adjusted positionsagainst outward return movement. As herein shown, there is provided aholddown for forcing the last and sh-oeandthe rests downwardly'betweenthe containers; andmeans for'locking-the carriers against swingingmovements relatively to their supports .to permit the containers byfrictionalcontact with the upper to draw. it tightly over the j otalconnections of the carriersto their supports.-

' 'loose-articleslor balls in;.the-containers to cause last, the lastand shoe being positioned at. the

end of the downward movement of the holddown with the bottom face ofthe-insolebelow the piv- Thereafter the carriers are unlocked from their7 supports and are swung in directions: itodmpart'. inward tippingmovements to the containers to, lay the marginal portion of the upperinwardly' over the insole, the dast and shoe and therests beingfurtherdepressed against. the resistance of springmeans' in response to the;inward tipping 'movementsof-the carriers,.and the supports beingpreferably movedalso fartherinwardly at this time to maintainortoincrease the pressure ofthecontainerson the upper. The upper is thus.

heldwconformed tightly and=smoothly to the contour: o'ithe. last attheopposite sides as its marginal; portion-is laid-:inward and pressed uponthe insole, and inorder that. the pressure of the containerson:.the-overlaid=margin of the upper may beincreased'means ise-providedfor limiting. the

depressioniof the last and shoe; 7 V

In accordance with a further. feature there is provided electricalmeans: for. magnetizing the them'to-jcohere and to resist displacementand thereby to increase the: frictional pullof the containersonthe-upper. in the relative movement of the. containers andtheflast.to; work the.upper through these coils.

"tightly over the last. As herein. shown, each carrier is so formed. asto'receive aU-shaped magnetin the form of an electro-magnet and thesoftiron; cores; of: each; magnet are surrounded by coilsconnected to arheostat for varying and controlling-the. strength-I of the currentpassing istur-ned on-magetic fields will be set up. between the coresrofthe magnets that will have lines of V forcepassing through the spacesoccupied by the balls. The-carriers and the parts associated therewithare made'of non-'magnetizable material-so that the density. ofthemagnetic fields may be: concentrated in. the spaces occupied by theballs; Byvarying the-strength of. thecurrent passing through theelectro-magnets *the' resist ance of. theballs to.displacement may bevaried the upper as'may. be necessary in operating upon shoes of.different kinds.

The above and other features of the invention, includingivarious :noveldetails of construction and combinations of parts and also the novelmethod aspects of the. invention will now be more particularly setforthby reference to the accompanying drawings .and'pointedout.in'.the.claims.

Inthe drawings, I

1 is a .view partly in side elevation and partl'y'in section of 'amachine adapted for use in carrying out the .novel methodand embodyingnovel features of the invention; 7

Fig. 2'is a'view'partly in frontelevation and V The electro-magnets aremounted in the carriers so that whenthe current partly in section on anenlarged scale of the head 7 of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line III-III of Fig. 2 Figs. 4, 5, and 6 aredetail views illustrating the positions of the lasting members and theholddown at different stages of the lasting, operation;

'Fig. '7 is a view partly infront elevation and partly in section onanenlarged scale of the lasting members and theirsupports andillustrating the electrical'means which may be mounted in the supportsfor magnetizing the steel balls within the lasting members; and Fig.this a view'looking from above in Fig. 7 with parts broken away. 7

In the illustrated machine the. shoe is sup ported bya heel-post lfihaving a pin [2 at its upper end-toenter the spindle hole in the'lastand by a toe rest I4 arranged to engage the top of theforepart 'of theshoe (Figs; 1 and 3). The.

heel'post 10 is vertically movable in a sleeve l6 (Figs. 2.and..3-) andis upheld witha collar 18 onfthe post in. engagement. vwith a shoulderf20.

on the sleeve by a. spring 22' whichsurrounds the post between. thecollar lfl'and ashoulder 24 7 formed on acap 26. threaded on the lowerend of the sleeve |6.,.the post In extending downwardly through analined opening inthe cap. The sleeve 'l6'.is.:carried'.by.a bracket.which is slidingly: mounted for movements in directions lengthwise ofthe shoe in ways formed 'on the base 30 0f the machine. ,The toe rest I4 is secured to the upper end of a toe-post 32 (Fig. 3) which isslidinglymounted for movements. in directions heightwise of. the shoe ina'bearing34-formed. in a.

bracket 36 fast .to the'base and extends downwardly through an openingin the lower end of a tubular'member 38 secured to the base 30, the Iopeningin the end of the tubular member being in alinement with thebearing 34'of the bracket.

3li..jv Surrounding thelower reduced end portion of the toe post- 32 isa.spring.40 which. bears'at its lower end against a shoulder 42"formed'on the tubularmember 38 and 'at'its upper end against awasher 44engaging. a'shoulder on the post, the spring 40 .acting to uphold thepost.

withan adjustable nut and. lock'nut .46 threaded on the post inengagement with the lower end.

face of the bearing 34. By adjustment of thenut andlock nut 46 theheightwise position of. the. toe. rest |4 may be varied relatively tothe heel post II! to. accommodate shoesv of difierent styles ing theopposite 'end faces of the bearing, the

collar 54 having an enlarged knurled 'p0rtion55 by means of which. therod 48. maybe turned to impart movement to theheel post l0 toward or 7from the toe rest 14'.

For lasting the opposite sides of. shoes the ma-. 7

china herein shown is provided with conformable lastingmembersBB(FigsIZ, 4, 5and 6) whichlare supported; one ateach side of the shoe, bycarriers 60'"pivotally connected for swinging movements aboutaxes-extending lengthwise of the shoe tosupports. .62' which areslidingly mounted in ways EA (Fig. 2)1 formed in the base 30 of themachine for movements'towardor from'each other width- Each lastingmember 58 is" wise of; the shoe.. of such length as to extendfrom thetoe-end portionto theheel-end portion of the shoe and to overlap more orless these different end portions which preferably; although notnecessarily, will have been lasted before the shoe is presented to themachine. Each lasting member 58 comprises a container or bag '66 offlexible elastic material, such as rubber, completely filled with loosespherical articles, such as small metal balls 68, preferably of aboutone sixteenthof an inch in diameter (Fig. 4) Each container 68 ispartially inclosed in a metal casing 10 having arms 12 formed integraltherewith and secured to the carrier 60 by screws 14 (Figs. 2 and 8)Engaging the'top and bottom faces of themetal casing 10 and secured tothe carrier 60 by screws 16 are supporting plates '18. Extending throughopenings in the opposite side walls of each casing 10 and through a loopformed at the upper corner of each container 66 by a rubber stripvulcanized to the container is a rod 82 the opposite end portions ofwhich are supported by clamps 84 secured by screws 86 tothe top plate18. Each rod 82 is held against endwise movement by nuts 88 threaded ontheopposite end portions of the rod and engaging the clamps 84 (Fi 8).

Each carrier 60 is fast to a rockshaft (Figs. 1 and 3) rotatably mountedin bearings formed in the supports 62 and is urged in a direction toimpart upward swinging movement to the lasting member 58 supportedthereon by a spring 92 (Fig. 2) connected at one end to a pin 94 in thecarrier and at the other end to an adjustable eye-bolt 86 threaded inthe support 62. Fast on each rockshaft 90 is a collar 98 provided withshoulders I00 and I02 (Fig. 6) which are arranged to engage,respectively, shoulders I04 and H18 formed on the supports 62 to limitupward and downward swinging movements of the carriers 60 relatively tothe supports 62. For 1ocking each carrier against downward swingingmovement with the shoulder I00 in engagement with the shoulder I04 thereis pivotally connected to each support 62 a latch I01which is urged by aspring I08 (Fig. 2) in a direction to engage the hook-shaped end of aplate I I0 fast to the carrier 80. For moving the latches I01 againstthe resistance of the springs I08 in directions to release the carriers60 for downward swinging movement there is rotatably mounted in eachsupport 62 a rod II2: fast to the outer-end of which is a small handwheel I14 for turning it. The rod I I2 mounted in the right-hand support62 (Fig. 1) has formed thereon a camsurface II6 which isarranged toengage the'latch I01 pivotally connected to that support. The rod I I2mounted in the left-hand support has formed thereon a similar camsurface '6 engaged by one end of a pin II8 slidably mounted in thesupport and engaging at its other end a downwardly extending arm I20 ofthelatch I01 pivotally connected to the. left-hand'support. As the rodsI I2 are rotated by the small hand wheels II4 the cam surfaces I I6 actto swingthe latches I01 out of engagement with the plates I I0.

In the course of the operation of the machine the carriers 60 andsupports 62 are moved toward each other to move the lasting members 58into engagement with the last and shoe at the opposite sidessubstantially from'its toe to its heel-end portion. 'It will beunderstood that as the lasting members 58 are moved into engagement withthe last and shoe the metal balls 68 adjust themselves to the contour ofthe last, and thus act through the rubber containers '86 to presstheupper into conformity to the contour of the last. For movin'g' thesupports 62 toward each other there is connected to each support a rackbar I22 (Figs.

1,2, and 3). The rack bars I22 are movable in ways formed in a bracketI24; .depending from the frame 30, and rotatably mounted in the bracketis a shaft I28 having fast thereon a pinion I28 the teeth of which arearranged to engage the teeth of the rack bars I22. The shaft I26 issupported near its outer end.(Figs. land 3) by a bearingI30 on the base30 and has fast to its outer end a hand wheel I32 by means of whichit'may' be turned. For holding the shaft I26 against endwise movementthere is pinned tothe shafta collar I34 which bears against the innerend face of the bearing I30 and engaging the outer end face of thebearing is the hub portion that by rotation of the hand wheel I32movements in opposite directions are imparted to the rack bars I22through the pinion I28 to move the supports 62 and carriers 60 toward orfrom each other.

In'the illustrated machine there is provided means for locking thelasting members 58 against outward movement away from each other whilepermitting them to be moved inwardly toward each other to press theupper into conformity to the contour of the last. As shown particularlyin Fig. 2, there is pivotally connected to the righthand support 62 apawl I38 for engaging any one of a number of ratchet teeth I40 formed'on a fixed plate I42 on the base 30. The pawl I38 has a laterallyextending arm I44 and engaging this arm is an adjustable screw I46carried by the upwardly extending arm I48 of a pawl I50 pivotallyconnected to the left-hand support 62. A spring I52 connected at one endto a pin I54 in the arm I48 and at the other end to a pin I56 projectingfrom the support acts to hold the pawl I50 in' engagement with any oneof a number of ratchet teeth I58 formed on a plate I60 fastto the base30, and through the arm I44 to hold the pawl I38 in engagement with oneof the ratchet teeth I40 on the plate I42. Fast on the outer end of thearm I44 is a handle I62 for swinging the arm downwardly to move thepawls I38 and I50 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth I40 and 158.Pivotally connected to the left-hand support 62 is a latch I84 which maybe swung downwardly by the operator to lock the arm I44 in its lowermostposition against the ac tion of the spring I52 when it is desired tohold the pawls I38 and I50 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth I40and I58.

For imparting to the last and shoe movement in a direction heightwise ofthe shoe thereis provided a holddown I66 (Figs; 1 and 2) comprising acomparatively narrow plate arranged to extend lengthwise of the shoe andto engage the insole at the forepart and heel end. The holddown ispivotally connected to a slide I88 vertically movable in aguideway'formed in a bracket I10 secured by screws I12 to a supportingbracket I14 fastened to the base 30 by screws I16. Formed upon the slideI68 are rack'teeth I18 (Fig. 2)

arranged to be engaged by the teeth of a gear I80 fast to a shaft I82rotatably mounted in the bracket I10 and having fast to itsouter end ahand wheel I84 for turning it. For holding the slide I68 against freemovement in its'guideway in the bracket I10 there is provided a frictiondevice comprising a brass plug I86 held yieldingly in engagement withthe slide by a spring I88,a threaded plug I90 being provided forcentralizing the: spring within a recess in the bracket and I36 of thehand wheel I32. It will be understood 1 ziorzyaryingrits tension-tetiary the "pressure 161. :the

plug; on utherlslide.

V lirrgthe illustrated machine the; shoeaandrlastla re rsupp ortedinitially be ttom' upward :on the :heelpost 71H) anicLtoe rrest' l4 withthebot tom face :of the insole V ,a eonsiderable tdistan'ce; above thepivota.l

:QQMQCiLiOIlS-Of the .carriersfiII-to their supports 62; After the.lasting members 558 have been inoved' inwardlydntogthepositions showninning to press the upper into conformityto the contour of Jt-healast:along its opposite 1 sides, the-hand wheel L84 isrotatedby the operatorin'adirectionto. 11m- 7 part counterclockwise movement to thesgear I80,

-Eig i 2. aCquritercloekwise movementnf the-gear 51:80 ,acts'todmpart.downward movement to i the :zsliderlfiflrto move ;the holddown J66 intoengage- V 'imentrwith thezbottom, face{f the insole; It will -be1:undetstoojd that the lasting members at this time;.are locked against{out-ward movement zf-mmthepositions shown in Fig. 4 byengagement 7.sofctheihawls' l-3B;-.,and l50with the ratchet teeth i4 0 and I58,respectively. Thereafter thehend g-wheel 1:84;.is rotated to impart"further downward 'movementstothe -holddownto move the last andshoe'relativelm to the lasting members 58, fromthe:positiomshown-inFig.4 to'the positionzshown in -Eig.;5,:in7whichposition the bottom faceoi'j the insole ;is-,be-l0w1=theaxes oftherockshafgtsg :90.

"this :movement the containers 66 act by frictional contact with theupper to draw ittight- 'lyiover'the'. last. It-will be understoodthatthe meta1rballs68, which have adjusted themselves to the contour of'thelast inresponseto movements f of the containers intothe positionsshown in Fig.

4', are displaced relatively to-one another as the last'andshoearermovedfrom the position shown -int-Fig. 4' to-thepositionshownin- Fig. '5' and be-' cause of their resistance toflsuchdisplacement srduetoithe friction-between them they act through the;contaihersefifi to; resist the: downward movemer t of thesflast and shoeand thusto increase "the frictiona1;:pull of the 1 containersgon the 7upper. It 'willalso beunderstood that-theba-lls act torpress' the upperthrough the uppe'raengaging walls-4S9 (Figs. 4 and 7*)0f: the containers.fifiiat: all times :into conformity to r the CODtOHl'axOf thetla-standthat the layerof balls :in en agement '7 iwith=thequppenengagingwalls of the containers 'arelembedded more=or-less in ,said-walls-sothat there-is substantially no stretching :of these-wallsheightwise:ofithe-last in the downward movement of'zthe last and shoe.gItwill furtherbe understood that bywa-rying the positionsxofgthecarriers-60 widthwise of the shoe the'for ce exerted on the metal zballs68 may be variedetovary their .frictional-resistancetordisplacementfandthus to vary 1 c the effective pull-of; the;=containerson thez pper.

s V 5 V l V .ments; there; isrvertical-ly movable imbearings; in

carrying a-rol1i200 arranged to be-engaged by one secured-toritsilpperendga member I'M provided with@la-terally extending'rarms Hi6. 'Pinnedto each rockshaft is anwinwardly extendingr arm 188 of firearms-196 ofthemember' I94. Pivotally connected to the rod: tezis 5a, secondrod 262which isrpivotal-ly -connected:-to a treadle' 284.. {A :spri-ng 28.6;cemented-at one end'to a pin! th base 7 thegbrackemad-andrby'engagemen.of;

' firmly' into adhering: relation to git he insole.

Vand:at-itbeeothereend $05.9 :eollarfi H) s c'lamp toithesmd:luzacts-ztor'impart hpwardmovement .tozth'erods I 92.;and ,zoggthismovementzof the rods being etlimited shy eensaeement of an..=.adii1stabe holler zflrontthe rod 182 withtamortion offs-he base :10. 7 Depression;of the zrtreadle' ,204 acts throuehsthe: nods 1021mm LILQlItOSmOVBZIhBmem- ;;b.er; I94; downwardlyaand thmughsthearms 198 tomnartdownmardzswin ine nriovementv to the carr-iers 60 against:thezsresistance of the ,;springs 92;

the senders 6manezswhngidownwardlythelast- V V in nmembers'aitl; acta-togdepress-gthe last andzshoe "clamped'betw:een:themiagainst:.the:.1'esistance of r thei springs Jhand 140.Depression- 10i the last I lock-nutiltfi threaded aonifihezupper end 'of5 the :toe post? 32- with thezume tface- 2 l8 ofrthebearing '34- :As:the treadle 1204 :is -,;depr.essed to. impart downwards swingingmovement-ate thescarrierssfifl the supports fizgtoward-geach otherto-increase: the pressure .-;oi theglasting 1 members on ttheyupper. Itwill be seen that as'the carriersaresswun idownwardly about the axes ofthe;shafts 90 tiping-movements lateraiiyziofitheilastsar impart d mutand r theoperatenby turning therhand:,-wheel l32zm ves thus tipped:xzelatively: to:;the;11ast :the '1 last; and 511085316,-ioroedri-iartherjinto: the lastingimembers 1I1=-rSDOnSel-0:theinwardzmovementsof mesonportsefiz. Thezlasting 'mem ens accordingly actto .drawsthezapper moreztiehtiycover he :ed e; "of 'the-insole and tolayiits marginalzportion inward- -ly.-:over: theinsolesand-to press, it;into position to adhere; to ztheginsole; eatteriwhich as depression ofztheziastiendcshoe isgsstqpped by engagement of the last with 5.12119-;-bracket; :28 :and '2: the nut a locknht '2 l 6 ewith nth'e bearing-34,:t1he pressure or the -lastingvmembers zonzth zioverlaid:margin,ofathe -;upper;;;is 3 inciaeasedsbytinrther depression of v the:tzeadle ato forcet-he. overlaid Lmargin-r morerefeeencezto;Figssstrand' 5; it will: be;seen thatth'euppersengflgingrzwalls :ofithe lastingtmembersbfl are aourved upwardly1: and :routwarjdiy aawa'y; from each-other: to; permit them'ztqtbe;swung relativelyr ,to :euhwtherzirom; the p s tion: shown: in Fig. -5to;the positien:shown imfigwfi wi ieny' s stantial interference betweenathe-.upper portions of. the: members. 7

{After the :-marginal portion :(of flthe up r has been thuslaidiinward'ly-over.theeinsoleand pressedintonposltionttoeadhereztmtheinsole the operator,

by: raisinge-the ry-treadle {Z04 :slightl-y, -;perm its the springs hi2.to *raise theslast-ing membersr'fl suf- -ficiently ito relieve lthepressure ;of the yilast ing membersinoni the overlaid margin :of 'athedippe V afteruwhich: the-spams 133, 150 tare :swungmby downwardamovementsoft-"the ;arm (1 44,-i:n--directionstomeleaseztheisupports?62fiomoutward movement, miter thesupportsafi rhaye; been ;:moyed outwardlyithe'wtreadle .2204 isareleased4 t rmit the sprlngseflzto-yswing the carrier'sfill npwardlythe;lastand:shoez:are removedfrom the mabhlner vthis:previo'uslyr.polntedaoiit; the force exerted ;on theshalls sfl zthroughthezmetal casings 1 0 by in-i mudemovementsof'the:carriers 60 may bevaried toi-yahystherz:frietionalfipull of 'the fiexible elasticlastingmembersonthe,upperjasmay be necessary insoperaitin zanponshoeszofjdifierent kinds to work 7 theitupp ntiehtly over the, las tandtrpress it i conformityztdthenentouzzzotthe iast.

: nwsder furtheni tmincrease he frictional pull ill of the lastingmembers on the upper the machine, in accordance with a further feature,may be provided with electrical means for magnetizing the loose balls 68to cause them to cohere. Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, each carrier 60may be so formed as to receive a U-shaped electro-magnet 220. The softiron cores of each -magnet are surrounded by magnetizing coils 222 and arheostat 224 is provided 'for varying and controlling the strength ofthe current passing through these coils. The rheostat is indicateddiagrammatically in Fig. 'l and is adapted to turn the current on andoff and to permit only a limited amount of current to pass through thecoils 222 so that the strength of the magnetic field can be increased orreduced as desired. It will be understood that in the construction shownin Figs. '7 and 8 the carriers 69 and the parts mounted thereonincluding the metal casings 10 as well as the rockshafts 90 and thesupports 62 will be made of non-magnetizable material, such as aluminumor stainless steel, while the loose balls 68 will bemade of magnetizablematerial such as iron or steel. When the current of the electro-magnetsis turned on a magnetic field will be set up between the cores of eachelectromagnet which will have lines of force passing through the spacesoccupied by the iron balls 68. The balls will accordingly becomemagnetized and thus tend to cohere and to resist displacement. By movingthe arm 226 of the rheostat upwardly toward the terminal B the strengthof the current passing through the electro-magnets is increased, thusincreasing the density of the magnetic fields set up by theelectro-magnets. As a result the balls 68 become more highly magnetizedand accordingly greater force is required to displace them. It will thusbe evident that in addition to the resistance of the balls 68 todisplacement due to the friction between them their resistance todisplacement may be increased by magnetizing them so that greater forceis re quired to move the last downwardly between the lasting members.The pressure of the lasting members on the upper is thereby increasedand as a result a greater frictional pull is exerted on the upper. Byvarying the strength of the current passing through the electro-magnetsthe resistance of the iron balls to displacement may be varied to varythe frictional pull of the lasting members on the upper. It will beunderstood that the balls 68 may be magnetized at any time during theoperation of the machine.

In the operation of the machine, briefly summarized, the operator, afteradjusting the heel and toe posts for the size and style of shoe to beoperated upon, places a last and shoe on the heel pin I2 and the toerest I4. Before the shoe is presented to the machine, in accordance withthe illustrated practice, the toe and heel ends will have beenpreviously lasted and a suitable adhesive such as latex or pyroxylincement will have been applied to the margins of the upper materials andalso, if desired, to the margin of the insole along the opposite sidesof the shoe.

After the shoe has been mounted in the machine as above described, theoperator, by turning the hand wheel 32 moves the supports 62 and thecarriers toward each other to press the lasting members 58 against theshoe, the lasting members engaging the shoe upper lengthwise of the shoesubstantially from its toe-end to its heel-end portion. It will beunderstood that as the lasting members are pressed against the shoe theiron balls 68 adjust themselves in accordance with the contour of thelast and act through the upper-engaging walls of the lasting members topress the upper into conformity to the contour,-

plates Hi! to hold the lasting members against swinging movementsrelatively to their supports so that the lasting members act byfrictional engagement with the upper to work it tightly over the last.tional pull of the lasting members on the upper may be varied by varyingthe positions of the supports 62 and the carriers 60 laterally of theshoe to vary the force exerted on the metal balls 68 through the casingsand that the pawls I38 and I58 act by engagement with the ratchet teethI43 and I 58 to hold the supports and the carriers against outwardmovement from adjusted position. It will further be understood that ifelectrical means such as shown in Figs. '7 and Bis providedthe'frictional pull of the lastingmembers on the upper may be furtherincreased by magnetizing the iron balls 68 to cause them to cohere moreor less and thus further to resist displacement by the last and shoe.

After the last and shoe have been moved into the position shown in Fig.5 the operator moves the holddown I56 out of engagement with the shoebottom, turns the small wheels H4 to move thelatch'es I01 out ofengagement with theplates H0, depresses the treadle 204 to impartdownward swinging movements to the carriers 60 and simultaneously turnsthe hand wheel I32 in a direction to impart further inward movements tothe supports 62 to maintain or to increase the pressure of the lastingmembers on the upper. As the carriers 60 are swung relatively to theirsupports 62 by depression of the treadle the lasting members act toimpart a further downward movement to the .last and shoe clamped betweenthem as they are tipped laterally of the shoe by the swinging carriersand are also moved inwardly by inward movements of the supports. Theupper is thus drawn tightly over the last and its marginal portion islaid inwardly over the' insole and pressed into position to adhere tothe insole. The depression of the last and shoe is limited by engagementof the last with the upper surface 2I4 of the bracket 28 and byengagement of the nut and lock nut 2H5 with the upper surface 218 of thebearing 34. Thereafter the pressure of the lasting members on the upperis increased by further downward movement of the treadle, to force theoverlaid marginal portion,

of the upper more firmly into adhering relation to the insole. In thereturn of the parts to starting positions the treadle is first raisedsufficiently to relieve the pressure of the lasting members on theoverlaid margin of the upper after which the pawls I38 and I50 are swungupwardly out It will also be understood that the fricof engagement withthe ratchet teeth I40 and I 58 and the lasting members are movedoutwardly out of engagement with the shoe. The treadle is then releasedto permit the springs 92 to swing:

the carriers 60 upwardly to their initial positions in which positionsthey are locked by the latches I01 as the small wheels I I4 are turnedto permit the prings I 08 to swing the latches into positions 29 fi g gethe hook-shaped ends of the plates I I0,

' of'loose memberst-adsustable in. accordance with the springs -:2 2;40; moving" the: toe. and heel upwardlyatotheir initial positions;

posts The last and shoeare thenzremovedffrom themachine.

Having: described my invention, whatI claim as new; andadesire; tosecure by'LettersPatent of.

' the United States is:

' .1: That. improvement? methods. I of lasting shoes whichconsists; inpressing an upper into 'cnnformity; to the contour of a last by the use.o fsa: flexible: lasting member" having 'thereina groupq oflooseelements, adjustable in accordance 7 "with:the shape of the last inzresponse to pressure ref of'theflast on said member, and byrelativemovement; of the lasting member and the last' working 7 theuppentightlyoven the-last;

' 2. That improvement in. .methods of 1 lasting shoes which. consists inpressing an upper into conformity tosthe contour of a last by the use ofa flexible elastic 'lastin'g member having "there-- in: a plurality. ofloose. articles. adjustable in accordanceewiththe shape of. the last inrespohsetojpressure. of.=;the.{last on saidmember, and by relativemovement ot. the lasting' member and. the. last. working, the. upperheightwise oi theila'st andlayingits marginal portion inwardly 0 eraninsolebn theilast- Thatcimprovement-in; methodsvof. lasting.

' sheeslwhich-consists inepressing'an upper into conformity. to. theshape. of a. lastbyjthe use of a. flexible container having therein-aplurality thesshapel of. the'last .in response to. pressureof the.laston. said container, relatively moving. the

V container and thelast in adirectionheightwise off'the lasti'to. causethe. containen'by frictional V contact'with. theupper. to draw ittightly over thelast; ,anditlien relatively tipping the container andthe last in a direction tocausethe container. to'lay themarginalportion. of'ithe upper inwardly. the last. and. to. press itupontheinsole. N 4. That; improvement in methods of'lasting,

over an insole on shoes which consists in pressing 'an..upper into;

' conformity to the contour of a 1ast,by the use. of'a container.havingjan upper-:engaggihg'wall. of flexible elasticmateriafandj havingtherein a plurality-ofloosesphericallarticles adjustable inaccordancewith theshape of the last in responseto pressure of'the'last.againstjsaid wall,

0; moving thev last relatively to the container in a.

direction 'heightwise; of the last to cause' the container byifrictionalcontact with the upper .totension it over the last, and then tipping thecontainerinwardly. toward the bottom face of the last to lay themarginal portionzofi the upper inwardly over-an. insole. on the last andto press it 'upon. the'insole:

contour of" the last byrthe'use of flexiblecontainers'each'havingtherein a plurality of 'spherif cal articlesadjustable in accordance with. the shapeof' the last, relatively moving;the last and *the containers; in a direction heightwise ofthe 7 lastitocausethe containers by frictional contact with thei upper to" drawittightly" over the last,, andit'hen while holding the;tensioned-upperconformed to:the contour of the last tipping the iof'thelast to lay' themarginal portion of the. upper inwardly over an insole on the last and[to press it upon the insole. V v

flexible containers inwardly over the bottom face 6;.That' improvementin methods of lasting shoes which consists 'in' pressing an upper intoconformity to the contourof a last by the'use "Off. a; flexible memberhaving therein a. group of metallic articles magnetized to cause themto'co- .hereLbut adjustable to the contour of the lastin response twpressure of l the last on'said member,

and by'relative movement of thelasting member and thella'stworkingtheupper over the last.

7. That: improvement in methods of; lasting 'sh'oes which' consists inpressing'an upper into. conformity to the contour of a last by the useof a flexible. containerhaving thereina'plurality of m'etallic'articlesmagnetized to-cause them to co- 7 hereibut'adjustable tozthe'contour of. the last in responseito pressureof the lastonsaid'container,

andfby relative movement o fsaid container and th'eilast. working theupper tightly over the last andilayin'g its marginaliportion'inwardlyover an insole'oirthe last.

8. That improvement in methods of lasting shoes which. consists in.-p'ressing: an'upper into confonnity'to thei contour oftailast'by the useof group ofs meta'llic articles magnetized to cause them to coherezbut"adjustable toithe contour'of the;lastzinzresponse'etozpressure of thelast on said member; relatively moving theilast, andv shoe and thelasting'member heightwiseiofithe last to*cause.

the lasting member by frictionalicontact with the upperto work; ittightly over the last, and then tippinga t'hezlasting member inwardlytoward the bottomifacei of anlinsole' onv the last to causeit to lay;theimarginalporti'on.of' the upper: inwardl over: the insole: r

'95. That? improvement in: methods of lasting slroesewhich' consists inpressing an upper into conformity to the: contouriofia last'by the useof a container havingia plurality of magnetized iron" balls therein: andan upper engag'ing wall of flexi -a fiexible elasticLIasting memberhaving therein a ble elastic. material, moving the last heightwiserelativelyr'to the container. tocause the container=byffrictional'contact with the upper to tension itiover. the-last; andthen withoutirelaxing the pressurei of 'thescontainenon theupper-relativel'y tipping the container andithe last in a directionztocause the container to lay the marginal portion of? the upper inwardlyover. an I insole on theflastiandltozpress.itzuporrthe insole:

10;. That improvement. l1'1" methods of lasting shoessin: which themarginalportion of the upper is secured in' lasted position by anadhesivewhich consists in pressing an upper into'conformity to" thecontoursofr ailast: by the use of 'a'flexible container'having'therein?a.plurality of magnetized ironballsadjustabledn accordance withtheshape of the:lastrandmovingrthe lastiheightwise relatively to"said2container while exerting force on said ironballs' at'an'angle to thedirection of'said movement to work the upper tightly over the last;then'tipping the container inwardly toward 7 the'bottom' face of thelastand'exertingforce on said balls in' a direction inclined toward thebottom face ofthe last to cause said balls by their action; onithe'upper'through said'iflexible container to lay the'marginal portion ofthe upper inwardly'overfan insole on the last and to press itintoposition to adhere to the'insole, and there afterincreasing the pressureof said flexible container on the overlaid margin'of the upper to forceit more'firmly into adhering relation to the insole.

11. That improvement in methodsjof' lastingv shoes in which'themarginalportion of the upper is secured-in lasted relati-on'toan insole by anadhesive; which consistsin pressing the upper at the opposite sides of alast substantiallyfrom its having therein a group of magnetized ironballs that adjust themselves in accordance with the shape of the lastand an upper-engaging Wall of flexible elastic material, forcing thelast downwardly between the containers to cause the containers byfrictional contact with theupper to draw it tightly over the last,tipping the containers inwardly over the bottom face of the last withoutrelaxing their pressure on the upper to cause the containers to lay themarginal portion of the upper inwardly over the bottom face of an insoleon the last and to press it into position to adhere to the insole, andthen increasing the pressure of. the containers on the overlaid marginof the upper to press it more firmly into adhering relation to theinsole.

12. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, conformable lastingmeans constructed and arranged to act frictionally on an upper mountedon a last to work the upper heightwise of the last in response torelative movement of said means and the last, said conformable lastingmeans comprising a flexible member, and a plurality of loose elementsarranged to act on said member to press it into conformity to thecontour of the last and to increase its frictional pull on the upperduring said relative movement.

, 13. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a device for conforming an'upper to the contour of a last and forworking the upper heightwise of the last in response to relativemovement of said device and the last, said device comprising a containerhaving a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordancewith the shape of the last and a flexible elastic upper-engaging wallconformable thereby to the shape of the last.

14. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for conforming anupper to the contour of a last and for working the upper heightwise ofthe last in response to relative movement of said upper-conformingmeansand the last, said upper-conforming means comprising a container having'a flexible elastice upper-engaging wall, and a plurality of loosearticles in said container adjustable in accordance with the shape ofthe last and arranged to. force the upper through said upper-engagingwall against the last at an angle to the direction of said relativemovement.

15. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for engaging anupper frictionally at the side of a last comprising a hollow member offlexible elastic material having a plurality of loose articles thereinrelatively displaceable to press the upper-engaging face of said memberinto conformity to the contour of the last in response to pressure ofthe last on said hollow member, and mechanism for effecting a relativeheightwise movement of said hollow member and the last to cause saidmember to work the upper toward the edge of an insole on the last.

16. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing anupper into conformity to the contour of a last in responseto relativemovement of said means and the last, said means comprising a flexiblecontainer having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustable inaccordance with the shape of the last in response to pressure of thelast on said container, and means for increasing the pressure of saidflexible container on the upper and for tipping it inwardly toward thebottom face of an insole on the last to cause it to lay and press themarginal portion of the upper upon the insole.

17.- In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing anupper into conformity to the contour of a last and for working the upperheightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said meansand the last, said means comprising a flexible container filled withloose spherical articles adjustable in accordance with the shape of thelast, and means for tipping said flexible container inwardly toward thebottom face of an insole on the last and for exerting force on saidloose spherical articles in a direction inclined toward the bottom faceof the insole to cause said spherical articles to act on the upperthrough said flexible container to lay its marginal portion inwardlyover the insole.

18. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing anupper into conformity to the contour of a last and for working the upperheightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said meansand the last, said means comprising a flexible container having aplurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with theshape of the last, means for imparting to said container while pressingit against the upper a tipping movement inwardly toward the bottom faceof'the last to cause said container to lay and press the marginalportion of the upper upon the bottom face of an insole on the last, andspring means arranged to be tensioned in response to the inward tippingmovement of said flexible container for increasing the pressure of saidcontainer on the overlaid margin of the upper.

'19. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for pressing anupper into conformity to thecontour of a last and for working the upperheightwise of the last in response to relative movement of said meansand the last, said means comprising a flexible container having aplurality of loose articles therein adjustable in accordance with theshape of the last in response to pressure of the last on said flexiblecontainer, and a support for said flexible container movable relativelyto the last into different positions to vary the pressure of saidcontainer on the upper duringsaid relative movement and for imparting tosaid container thereafter a tipping movement lat erally of the last in adirection to cause the container to lay the marginal portion of theupper inwardly over an insole on the last and to press it upon theinsole.

20. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible elasticmember arranged to act frictionally on-an upper to work the upperheightwise of a last in response to relative movement of the last and saidmember, said member having a group of loose articles therein adjustablein accordance with the shape of the last, and means constructed andarranged to exert force on said articles at an angle to the direction ofsaid relative movement.

21. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible containerarranged to act frictionally on an upper to work the upper heightwise ofa last in response to relative movement of the last and said container,said container having a plurality of loose articles therein adjustablein accordance with the shape of the last, and a holder for enclosing aportion of said container and for exerting force on said articles indirections to increase the frictional pull of the container on theupper. p

22. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

V .1 V V V ginal portion of the upperiinwardly over an'einsole perheightwise': oi --the last-in response to rela as flexible container:arranged to act irictionally;

on an upperrmounted on a last to workitheuptivePmovem-ent of the last:and said containensaid g container, having' 'a' plurality of metallicballs therein"v adjustablevin accordance with the contour: of "the:last; and a rigid2holder for enclosing aportiorr of 1 said-containerand; for j tipping :it

relatively to the last inwardly over thebottomiof the last to causethecontainer toilay the mar- "onvthe lastand to press it upon the insole.

23; In. a machineiorshaping uppersioverlasts, a-fiexible container"arranged to act irictionally onxan upper mounted-on a last tozwork theupper V n heightwise': of theslast lin response, to relative mov'ementofthe last-;an1:lisaid: container, said container" having a plurality of:loose spherical fuither movement toward=the last toforce the articles"therein adjustable: in accordance" with the rsha'pe ofxth'e last, .arigid holder forenclosring azportiOn-oi said container and for moving ittoward the last to. press the upper against. the last, and means for:imparting to saidholder'a last and ShOeff311'thel into the containerandfor swinging: the holder aboutiant axis located above 1 the: last;towardits bottomface to cause the containe'ri to -lay andpress-thev-marginalportion of the upper upon 'aninsole on the last. o :24. .In a machinefor shaping uppers: over lasts,, a; device arranged to actfrictionallyon aniupper V V mountedon ia lastzto workthe-upperheightwise of the last iii-response:to'relativermovement of.

' said device andthe last, saiddevicei comprising a 7 container filledwith loose spherical articles and J having; an upper-engagingwallofflexible elastic material, said loose spherical :articles being. ar-

ranged to action the upper to press it into (5011- i formity to thecontourfof the last and beingdisplaceable-in response'to saidrrelativemovement while thus pressing the upperagainst thelast,

and -means;for varying; the pressure of said loose Spherical articles onthe, upper through said upper-engaging wall to vary the frictional pullof saidv container on theiupper; j v i Y 25.-'In a machinefor'shap'inguppers overlasts, adevice arranged to act frictionallyon an uppermounted on a'--la'st .to work the upper heightwise of the-lastinresponse to relative movement of r 1 said device andthe-last;said-device comprising a container". of flexible elastic material filledwith loose'spheri'cal articles arranged to acton the upper through saidcontainer "to press itinto conformity to the contour of the last, saidspherical'articles-being displaceable inresponse to said relativemovement while thus pressingthe upper Vagainst thelast, and amemberconstructed and a arranged partially to enclose said'container, saidmember 'beingmovablelaterallyof the last into diiferent positions tovary the pressureiof'said spherical articles on the upper and thereby'tovai y the-frictional pull of said container on the upper during saidrelative :movement. 26. In a machine for shaping uppersover lasts,

lastin'g devicesat the opposite sides of a last for pressingan upper;into conformity to the contour end portion, said devicescomprisin'ghollow meme" of thelast substantially-from its toe to. its'heeL- a bersofflexible elastic material each having a plurality of loose articlestherein adjustable ,in

. accordance with'fth' shape 'of'the'lastin response to pressure ofthe'last on said membersjand. V

' mechanism: for effecting.- relative; movement vof s the last and saidhollow members heightwise'of: thei -last to causersaid'membersby;frictional con-t 2,;o5.'r,o; o 7 V V tact with: the upper" to work it 7tightly over the;

last. a .v a V 2 7. In a machine for: shaping uppers over "lasts;lasting): devices-for pressing anupper at the positeisides-of alast intoconformity to the contour of the last and for working the upperheightwise' of the last in response. to relative movement of the lastand-said devices, said device's- 00mprising; hollow members'of flexibleelastic material each having a plurality of loose sphericalarticles;-'therein and an. upper-engaging Wallerrangedztoengageand presstheupper over area extending both lengthwise and heightwise' of the lastbetween its toe and heel-end portions,

' and mechanism for increasing the pressure of said hollow members onthe upper and'zior imv parting to said members tippingmovementsinward1y'over""the bottom' of thelast to lay the marginal portion of theupper inwardly-over an insole on" the last ar dto' press it. upontheinsole.

V 28. Inia'machine for'shaping uppers over lasts; 7

lasting'devicesfor; pressingzan upper into cone formity to the contour'of'a'last presented bottom upward while workingthe upper: tightly overthe oppositevsides of the last in response 'to'irelative' movement ofsaiddevices and 'thev'last, said de- Vices' each comprising a.hollowmember of flexible' elastic material filled with loose I sphericalarticles and arranged totengage the upper overan" area extending both:lengthwise and heightwise' of theilast between its toe andheeleendportions, andi carriers .for supporting said ihollow flexible members,said carrie1's'being mountedgfor; swingingmovementsfabouttaxes'zlocated'gabove the lastand" extending: lengthwise1 of :the 3. last i to impart said membersto lay andpress thegmarginalpore tion offtheupper"over 'the bottom of the last.

. 29;. In-a machine for shaping. uppers over lasts; devices? at theopposite sides :of a last presented bottom'upward for pressing-an.upperinto con- ,7 formity to the: contour'otthe last, said devices"each comprising ta, containerhaving a; plurality of loose sphericalarticle's therein andIanlupperengaging-wallet flexible: materialarranged to engage theiupper overtanwarea extending both heightwisesandlengthwise of the last: betweenits 73 5 to said hollow fiexiblemembers:tipping move-s men-ts laterally of" therlast in directions to cause toeand heel-end portions;.means for depressing the lastby engagement withthe bottom face of i an insole on the last to cause said containers byfrictional contact with the upper to, worlg it' tightly over the last,,andmechanism for swingingi'said" containers about-axes located abovethe;las t and; '55

pressinganupper into conformityto the contour V i of the last, saiddevicesi'eachcomprising. a hollowmember of, flexible elastic materialfilled with loosew'spherical articles adjustable in accordance with theshape ofthe last, each ofsaid devices being arranged to engage theupperiover an area extending both heightwise'and lengthwise oi thelastbetween its toe: and heel-end portions, a holddown for moving thelast heightwise relatively to said lasting devices to cause said devicesbyifrictional contact'with the upper to tension it a over the last,carriers for supporting said lasting 7 devices, a pair of supports formoving said carriers inwardly into di'fierentpositions'to vary the p rescarriers being pivotally connected to said'supports, and means forswinging the carriers r'ela' tivelyto their supports to impart to saidlasting devices tipping movements relatively to the last directions tocause said devices to lay and press the marginal portion of the upperupon an insole on the last. r

Y 31. In a'machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

lasting devices at the opposite sides of a last presented bottom upwardfor pressing on upper into conformity to the contour of the last and forworking the upper heightwise of the last in response to relativemovement of 'saiddevices and the'last, said devices each comprisinga'flexible container and a group of 'loose'spherical articles in saidcontainer adjustable in accordance with the shape of the last, mechanismfor imparting to said containers swinging movements aboveaxes locatedabove the last and extending lengthwise of the last while moving saidaxes toward each other laterally of the last to causeinward tippingmovements to be imparted to saidcontainers to lay andpress the marginalportion of the upper on thebottom face'of-an insole on the last, andspring means arranged to be tensioned in response to the swingingmovements of said containers for increasing the pressure of saidcontainers on the upper.

32. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, lasting devices at theopposite sides of a last for pressing an upper into conformity to thecontour of the last, said devices each comprising a flexible containerfilled with metallic balls adjustable in accordance with the shape ofthe last, carriers for supporting said flexible containers, supportsupon which said carriers are pivotally mounted for swinging movementsabout axes extending lengthwise of the last, depressible toe and heelrests for supporting the last and shoe, means movable to depress thelast and shoe and said rests to position the last with the bottom faceof an insole on the last below the pivotal connections of said carriersto their supports, means for locking the carriers against swingingmovements relatively to their supports during the depression of the lastand shoe to cause said flexible containers by frictional contact withthe upper to work it tightly over the last, and means for moving saidsupports inwardly and for imparting to said carriers swinging movementsrelatively to said supports in directions to impart inward tippingmovements to said flexible containers to cause them to lay and press themarginal portion of the upper upon the insole.

33. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, means for supporting alast and shoe, and a flexible lasting member for pressing the shoe upperinto conformity to the contour of the last and for working the upperover the last in response to relative movement of the lasting member andthe last, said flexible lasting member having therein a group ofmetallic articles magnetized to cause them to cohere but adjustable tothe contour of the last in response to pressure of the last on saidmember.

34. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible container forpressing an upper into conformity to the contour of a last, saidflexible container having therein a plurality of metallic articlesmagnetized to cause them to cohere but adjustable to the contour of thelast in response to pressure of the last on said container, and meansfor effecting relative movement of said container and the last to workthe upper tightly over the last and "to lay its marginal portioninwardly over an insole on-the last.

35. In a 'machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a device arranged to act'frictionally on an upper mounted on alast towork the upper heightwise of the last'in response to relative movementof said device and the last, said device comprising a flexible containerhaving a plurality of metallic articles of magnetizable materialtherein, said articles'being arranged to act on the upper to press itinto conformity tothe contour of the last and being also relativelydisplaceable while thus pressing the upper against the last in therelative movement of said device and the last to work the upperheightwise of the last, and elec-' trical means for magnetizing saidarticles to cause them' to cohere and to resist displacement and thus toincrease the frictional pull of said device on the upper during saidrelativemovement.

36. Ina machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a flexible container arranged to act frictionally on an upper mountedona last to work the upper heightwise of the 'last in response'to relativemovement of said container and the last, said container having aplurality of metallic articles of magnetizable material thereinadjustable in accordance with the shape of the last in response topressure of the last on the container, a member of non-magnetizablematerial for supporting said flexible container, and a magnet mounted insaid supporting member for magnetizing said articles to cause them tocohere.

37. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, a flexible containerarranged to act, frictionally on an upper mounted on a last to work theupper heightwise of the last in response to relative movement of saidcontainer and the last, said container having a plurality of metallicarticles of magnetizable material therein arranged to act on the upperthrough said container to press the upper into conformity to the contourof the last, said articles being relatively displaceable while thuspressing the upper against the last in the relative movement of saidcontainer and the last to'work the upper heightwise of the last, aholder of non-magnetizable material formed partially to enclose saidcontainer, a carrier for supporting said holder, and an electro-magnetmounted in said carrier for magnetizing said metallic articles.

38. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts, devices for engaging anupper frictionally at the opposite sides of a last, said devices eachcomprising a container of. flexible elastic material having'a pluralityof steel balls therein adjustable in accordance with the shape of thelast, a

- member of non-magnetizable material for supporting each container,said supporting members being movable toward each other to vary thepressure of the flexible containers on the upper, means for effecting arelative movement of the last and said containers in a directionheightwise of the last to cause said containers by frictional contactwith the upper to draw it tightly about the last, said steel balls beingdisplaceable in response to said relative movement while pressing theupper into conformity to the contour of the last, and electro-magnetsmounted in said supporting members for magnetizing said steel balls tocause them by their magnetic attraction for one another to resistdisplacement and thereby to increase the pressure of said flexiblecontainers on the upper during said relative movement.

39. In a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

a;device for pressing anupper mounted one. last into conformitytothe'contour of the last and,

forworking the upper heightwise of the last in response torelativemovement of said device and the last, said device comprising acontainer having a flexible elastic upper-engaging wall and filled-withsteel ;balls movable relatively to one another into positions to presstheupper through said, upper-engaging wall against the last inresponseto resistance of the shoe to the pressure applied, a member ofnon-magnetizable material for supporting said container and for movingit into upper-pressing position, an electro-magnet mounted in saidsupporting member for magnetizing said steel balls and thus controllingtheir mobility when a current isrpassed through the electro-magnet, andmeans for controlling the currentito vary the strength of theelectromagnet,

-. 7 40. In-a machine for shaping uppers over lasts,

devices at the opposite sides of a last for pressing an upper intoconformity to the-contour of the last and for working the upperheightwise of the last in response torrelative movement ofv I saiddevices and thelast, said devices eachconv- V prising a container having5 a flexible "elastic the container to lay the marginalkportionof theupper inwardly over the bottom face of an:in-

sole on the last, an electr c-magnet mounted in each of said carriers,formagnetizing-saidsteel balls and thus controlling their r-mobilitywhen a current is passed through the electro-magnets, and a rheostat forcontrolling the current to vary the strength of the electro-magnets. V pa CIJFFORD K;MACDONAL15. 2

